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Ulrich Gall
Communal Cat House in Lima's Parque Kennedy
The large, multi-level structure with a corrugated red roof you've discovered is a specialized communal cat house, a charming and highly unusual feature of Lima's Parque Kennedy, also known as Miraflores Central Park. This isn't just a quirky decoration; it’s a fully functional shelter for the park's famously large and well-cared-for stray cat population.
Parque Kennedy is renowned throughout Lima for its hundreds of resident felines, who are practically celebrities in their own right. These cats are not simply tolerated; they are an integral part of the park's identity. Local volunteers and even some municipal staff take on the care of these animals, providing food, water, and even veterinary attention. Throughout the park, you’ll find multiple cat houses like this one, offering shelter, especially during cooler nights or rainy weather. The little paw print decals on the cat house add to its whimsical and welcoming appearance. Next to the houses, you'll often see bowls with food and water provided by the community.
This unique approach to managing a stray cat population highlights a deep connection between the community and its animal residents, creating a distinctive and endearing atmosphere in an otherwise bustling urban park. It's a testament to local compassion and a draw for both residents and tourists who come to interact with the friendly felines.
Adorning the wall visible in the background is a striking piece of public art, a mural depicting a child's face and what appears to be a large animal, possibly a feline or a similar creature, emerging from the shadows. Such murals are common in many urban areas around the world, but in Miraflores, they often reflect themes of local culture, community, or even the natural world, sometimes echoing the presence of the park's beloved cats in a more abstract way. Above the street, you can also spot the sign for "RED DOG HOSTEL," a popular accommodation for travelers, and a white van with "473" on it, likely a route number for a public transport or utility vehicle.
Parque Kennedy's Feral Cat Community in Miraflores
The dedicated cat houses and feeding stations are a distinctive feature of Parque Kennedy in Miraflores, Lima, often called "Parque de los Gatos" (Cat Park). This park is famous for being home to hundreds of stray cats that are cared for by local volunteers and visitors. The cats are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and fed, making it a unique example of community-supported animal welfare in an urban setting. Opposite the park, the "Red Door Hostel" and its vibrant street art reflect the bohemian and tourist-friendly atmosphere of Miraflores. The street art often changes, but the depiction of a woman's face adjacent to an animal is common for the area, hinting at the connection between people and the park's feline residents.
The Cat Shelters of Parque Kennedy
The most distinctive feature here is likely the communal **cat hotel/shelter** located in the grass of Parque Kennedy (Miraflores Central Park). This park is famous for its large population of stray cats, often called *gatos callejeros*, which are cared for by local volunteers and citizens.
**Miraflores Cats:** An estimated 80 to over 100 cats inhabit the park. They are the unofficial mascot of Miraflores. The cats are spayed/neutered and vaccinated through organized efforts. The wooden structure provides shelter and a dedicated feeding zone, using donations for food and maintenance. This community care is a unique Lima phenomenon.
**Street Art Mural:** Behind the shelter and the road, a large mural depicts a portion of a woman's face juxtaposed with an animal, reflecting the mix of urban life and a connection to nature/animals common in Peruvian street art.